The Ebonyi State Police Command has apprehended a self-proclaimed prophet, Nwankpu James, for allegedly abusing and humiliating a child he accused of witchcraft. The arrest was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Hope Okafor, in a statement released on Tuesday in Abakaliki by the command's spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu.
According to Okafor, the incident took place in the Isohumini Agbaja community, located in Izzi Local Government Area of the state. The arrest was prompted by a viral video that showed the prophet treating the child in an abusive and inhumane manner.
“The operatives of the command were immediately directed to ensure the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child,” the statement read. “Acting on the directive, operatives traced the suspect and the child’s parents to Isohumini Agbaja Community in Izzi Local Government Area, where the suspect was arrested and the child successfully rescued.”
The commissioner added that the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, the rescued child has been admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for immediate medical attention.
Okafor reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly children, and warned against all forms of child abuse and inhumane acts.
A resident of the area, Mather Nwachukwu, alleged that the child had been suffering from frequent illness, prompting her parents to seek spiritual intervention from the prophet. However, the prophet reportedly accused the child of witchcraft and subjected her to humiliating practices under the guise of deliverance.
